Police Banned From Denny’s For Being Armed

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BELLEVILLE, IL (KTVI) – The Belleville, Illinois Chief of Police has banned his officers from eating at the local Denny’s restaurant while on duty after an incident at the establishment New Year’s Day. A manager at the Denny’s Tuesday told a group of officers they could not eat at the restaurant if they were armed. Belleville Police Captain Don sax said, “It’s absolutely a slap in the face I totally agree it’s completely disrespectful. How can anyone think to tell a police officer you can’t be in here with your gun its absurd to me.”

Five on-duty but out of uniform detectives were in the middle of their meal at the Denny’s. The restaurant chain said a customer spotted one of the officers carrying a gun and alerted the manager. The manager told the detective she would have to leave or secure the gun in her car, that guns are not allowed in Denny’s. Even after the officers explained they were cops they were still told they could not carry their weapons in the business. Captain Sax said, “I’ve never known anybody that didn’t want a police officer present in an establishment in a business it’s added security it’s absolutely what they want.”

Sax said the police had their badges in full view, either by their handguns or they were wearing them around their necks. Plus, portable police radios were on the table. A second manager showed up and told the officers they could stay with their weapons. But, the detectives left anyway. Captain Sax added, “They had been harassed enough they have been embarrassed more than enough.”

Local citizens like Jennifer Veri support the police, Veri said, “You want them to be with their guns that makes them cops so they can protect the public.” Denny released a statement that said in part “Denny’s policy permits law enforcement officials to carry their firearms in the restaurant and we regret any misunderstanding.”

Some people plan to stay away from Denny’s just like the police. Eric Veri said, “I won’t go to Denny’s until they resolve it with the Belleville Police Dept. they are working out here hard for us definitely support them.” The police chief wants to sit down with Denny’s officials and resolve the matter. He planned to handle the matter discreetly but it became public on the internet and spread quickly. Officers will go to Denny’s if they receive a service call.